The Facts: The Lions are set to enter the 2017 season with Abdullah -- who missed all but two games last year -- as the lead runner, followed by scat back Theo Riddick, with Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington as low-upside between-the-tackles backups. Abdullah said the offseason discussions about adding to the corps didn't threaten his status as the alpha. "It doesn't bother me to talk about that stuff, but at the same time, I don't really care what really happened, because I feel like I'm a better player than whoever they were going to bring in," Abdullah said.

Diehards Line: As NFL.com suggests, the lack of additions to the group was a resounding vote of confidence in Abdullah from the team's brass. Abdullah is well-rounded enough to be an every-down back in the Lions offense, if he can stay healthy. The tandem of Abdullah and Riddick flashed potential to threaten defenses in their brief time together. The lack of moves at the running back position tell us the Lions believe Abdullah's injuries are in the past. Behind a revamped line, the offense could become more balanced in 2017. If, however, injuries strike again, one of the worst rushing offenses last season will struggle again, putting Matthew Stafford in more tough spots.